Oak Floors Online talk about the different installation methods for wood flooring

Here at Oak Floors Online, we often get asked; "what's the best way to install my flooring" but it's just not as simple as that.
Many of the most important factors that decide 'the best way' can only be decided upon from a site assessment, and the results of certain checks, so it's usually best to take the advice of your floor installer.
The 3 most popular installation methods are;

• Glue Down
• Nail Down
• Float

Gluing down usually requires a flexible adhesive to be applied to the subfloor for the oak flooring above to be bonded to it. An advantage of using this method is that thinner flooring will 'take on' the strength of the subfloor and always feel like a solid oak floor (as long as the subfloor is strong enough, obviously). This method is most commonly used when the subfloor is concrete or solid.
Nailing down usually means 'secret nailing' where a nail gun is used to fire in a nail (preferably a barbed cleat that grips the timber subfloor beneath) at 45 degrees, at a point just above the tongue of the board, so that when inserted fully the next board slots over it and conceals it. Again this helps the flooring to 'take on' the strength of the timber subfloor beneath.
Floating a floor means that the flooring is not actually 'fixed' down at all. The boards are simply glued together to form one complete 'floating' surface that sits above the subfloor, usually over a suitable underlay. This method can allow some movement of thinner flooring when walked upon but this challenge can usually be overcome by installing a structural grade floor board (our 21mm engineered or our 18mm solid oak).
Other things to consider before deciding whish installation method is best for you include;

• The expected usage and 'traffic' that the flooring will have to take
• The condition of the subfloor; is it level and flat?
• Is it solid or engineered flooring that's being installed?
• Where in the house is it being installed?

One last point...
Beware of installers who have their own 'favourite' installation method. Some will always recommend gluing down because they 'can get a good deal' on the adhesive that's needed... and then they make extra money from you for doubling what it cost.
Others may say "oh I always float a new floor..." but when your flooring moves and creaks after installation is complete, where are they then?
There's no doubt that in most cases fixing the flooring down to the subfloor is the best option but it's not the most cost-effective in some cases.
If you have any doubts, simply send us an email with as much detail as you can include about your site situation, and we'll do our best to advise you what methods are suitable.